An upbeat, self-assured farm dog that bonds closely with its people. It is energetic, talkative and brave, and its sharp mind makes it a keen partner, though it can have a stubborn streak.124
how to spot oneNorwegian Buhund coat and colours
harsh double coat
A square, medium-sized spitz with a thick, harsh outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat. The coat is shorter on the head and front legs and fuller on the neck, chest, thighs and tightly curled tail.12
Comes inwheaten (pale cream to bright orange, may have a black mask)black12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norwegian Buhund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery week
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksNorwegian Buhund exercise needs
Up to about an hour of exercise a day plus mental work; it enjoys herding, agility and obedience.34
where they are happiestNorwegian Buhund at home
Happiest with an active family and room to move; its weatherproof coat copes well with cold, wet weather.23
who they like aroundNorwegian Buhund with people and other pets
Forms strong bonds with its family and likes to be involved in daily life; works as a natural watchdog.4
the hands-on bitsNorwegian Buhund grooming and care
Brush more than once a week; the coat sheds heavily about twice a year.34
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Norwegian Buhund, and at what times?
Feed your Norwegian Buhund at least two meals a day, ideally morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet.5
What should a Norwegian Buhund eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suited to your Buhund's age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice.6
How often should I bathe a Norwegian Buhund?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing your Buhund every 70 days, but general guidance is at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.7
How often does a Norwegian Buhund need brushing?
Brush your Norwegian Buhund more than once a week, and daily during the heavy shedding seasons twice a year. Pet Wiki's plan is every three days, increasing to daily when shedding heavily.34
How do I trim a Norwegian Buhund's nails, and how often?
Trim your Buhund's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days according to Pet Wiki's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.7
How much exercise does a Norwegian Buhund need?
Your Norwegian Buhund needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, plus mental challenges like herding or agility. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play. This energetic breed thrives with an active family.34
How do I look after a Norwegian Buhund's teeth and ears?
Brush your Buhund's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7
How long does a Norwegian Buhund live?
A Norwegian Buhund typically lives at least 12 years, with many living longer with good care. Provide a healthy diet, regular exercise, and vet checkups.3
Is a Norwegian Buhund good with children and other pets?
The Norwegian Buhund forms strong bonds with its family and is generally good with children when properly socialized. It can get along with other pets, especially if raised together, but its herding instinct may lead it to try to herd. Early socialization is key.4
Can a Norwegian Buhund be left alone?
The Norwegian Buhund thrives on family involvement and may become anxious if left alone for many hours. Each dog is different, so ask your breeder or vet for guidance on your specific Buhund.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchNorwegian Buhund health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Norwegian Buhund. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hereditary cerebellar ataxia
An inherited nerve disorder that affects balance and coordination, with a DNA test available. Royal Kennel Club Best Practice DNA test (HCA) ↗
Hip dysplasia
Faulty hip development that can lead to arthritis. Royal Kennel Club recommends BVA/KC hip scoring ↗
Hereditary cataract
Clouding of the lens that can appear in young dogs and affect sight. Royal Kennel Club recommends the BVA/KC/ISDS eye scheme; cataract is the main eye concern in the breed ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Norwegian Buhund costs
Running costs for a Norwegian Buhund, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Norwegian Buhund legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Norwegian Buhund in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
'Bu' refers to the farmstead or mountain hut, so the name means something like 'farm dog'.1
2
Dogs closely resembling the Buhund were found buried in a Viking grave, a sign they were treasured companions.3
3
A Norse saga tells how King Olav Tryggvason obtained one after being impressed by its herding skill.1
The name 'Buhund' comes from the Norwegian word 'bu' meaning 'farmstead' or 'homestead,' and 'hund' meaning 'dog,' reflecting its role as a versatile farm and herding dog.8
stars of the breedFamous ones
Flink The first dog registered in the Buhund registry and named the finest specimen of his time, serving as the model for the 1926 breed standard.9
I'm a Buhund, and every morning starts with a chorus of barks – my own included. I have opinions about everything: the postman, the squirrel, the leaf that blew past. My human says I'm talkative, but I prefer to call it expressive. After a hearty breakfast, we head to the farm. I help round up the sheep, darting in and out with joyful precision. My human laughs and calls me a natural. In the afternoon, we do a bit of agility – I love weaving through poles and leaping over jumps. I'm fast, but I also like to stop and check if my human is watching. They always are. When we get home, I curl up beside them, tired but happy. I give a final, satisfied 'woof' – just to make sure they know I had the best day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganNorwegian Buhund history
The Buhund has helped Norwegian farmers for more than a thousand years, herding sheep and guarding the homestead. Dogs of its type have been found in Viking graves, and it appears in the Norse King Sagas. The first official breed standard followed in 1926.13
Icelandic Sheepdog
Jämthund
Norwegian Elkhound